KARACHI: The traffic police informed the Sindh High Court on Wednesday that the e-challan system had been implemented only on city corridors where road infrastructure, lane markings, and traffic signage were fully operational. In written comments submitted before the court, officials stated that under-construction thoroughfares had been excluded from the electronic ticketing system until development work and necessary upgrades were completed.
The comments were filed on behalf of the deputy inspector general of police (traffic) in response to one of several identical petitions challenging the implementation of the e-challan system in Karachi. Petitioners argued that the AI-based enforcement mechanism was introduced without ensuring adequate road infrastructure, proper lane demarcation, vehicle ownership verification systems, and other supporting facilities required for fair implementation.
The traffic authorities further informed the court that the provincial government had provided relief measures, including a 50 percent discount on fines if a challan is paid within 14 days. They also stated that dedicated traffic courts were being established to enhance transparency and ensure due process in the handling of traffic violations issued through the digital system.
After taking the submitted comments on record, a two-judge constitutional bench headed by Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed adjourned the hearing until March 12. The adjournment was granted after a provincial law officer sought additional time to file comments on behalf of other respondents, including the chief secretary Sindh, secretary of the home department, excise and taxation department, inspector general of Sindh police, and DIG traffic police.
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